Ahn Cheolsoo and Lee Junseok Discuss the Future of AI and Semiconductors
Both Lawmakers Emphasize the Need for Korea's Own AI Model and Industry Competitiveness
Representative Ahn Cheolsoo, a presidential primary candidate from the People Power Party, and Representative Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, spoke in unison on April 25 regarding key issues in science and technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors.
On this day, Representatives Ahn and Lee held a discussion titled "Danbi Talk: Opening the Future" in front of Pangyo Station in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, focusing on the race for AI technology supremacy. The forum was organized at Representative Ahn's constituency in Pangyo at the suggestion of Representative Lee. Both lawmakers, who have backgrounds in science and engineering, debated topics such as the development of Korea's own AI model.
Representative Ahn explained the reasons for developing Korea's own AI model, stating, "Because each country has its own unique culture, a single AI model cannot provide answers that reflect every nation's culture." Representative Lee also said, "We need to carefully consider how to develop our own AI model and how to apply it in various industrial sectors."
Representative Ahn pointed out, "In the entire semiconductor market, memory accounts for one-third, while systems account for two-thirds. We mainly generate significant profits from memory semiconductors." He added, "One of the problems is that TSMC's foundry capabilities are so outstanding that, no matter how much Samsung invests, the gap is actually widening."
He continued, "If we estimate one of the causes, it is that TSMC focuses solely on foundry operations. They do not do anything else and do not manufacture their own semiconductors. As a result, fabless companies place orders with TSMC to have chips produced. TSMC ensures that technologies do not mix and that they can be complementary for each company." However, he pointed out, "Samsung operates a foundry but also manufactures system chips, which could raise suspicions."
Representative Lee predicted, "The more products we have that are unique to us, the stronger our position will be in tariff wars." He added, "In the past, it was Middle Eastern oil and rare earth elements. Now, for Korea, having just two or three items like HBM (High Bandwidth Memory) or the battery industry is not enough." He emphasized, "For Korea, the only answer is to ensure our products have marketability within the supply chain."
On this day, Representative Ahn pledged, as a presidential campaign promise, to make Korea one of the world's top three AI powers. To achieve this, he proposed training one million science and technology professionals and increasing the ratio of research and development (R&D) investment to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP). Representative Lee commented, "Whenever people with no understanding of science and technology, such as former Democratic Party leader Lee Jaemyung or former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon, speak out, I see Representative Ahn making appropriate points and remarks."
Although the two lawmakers are known as political rivals, they maintained a friendly atmosphere throughout the forum. Previously, after the impeachment crisis of former President Park Geunhye in 2017, both served together in the Bareunmirae Party. In June 2018, they clashed over the nomination for the Nowon-byeong district in Seoul during the by-elections. The forum was moderated by Kim Donghwan, CEO of the domestic generative AI specialist company FortyTwoMaru.
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